---
title: 'Get Started'
description: 'Get started with API keys'
---

## 1. Create your Unkey account

The first step to using Unkey is to create an account. You can do this by visiting [app.unkey.com](https://app.unkey.com).

<Frame caption="Create your account">
  <img src="/images/sign-up.png" alt="Sign Up Page for Unkey"/>
</Frame>

## 2. Create your first API

Next we will get you to create your first API. This is the API that you will be protecting with Unkey. You can create as many APIs as you like, but for now we'll just create one.

Give it a name and add the features you need. You can always add and remove features from the dashboard later as needed. 

<Note>
    You can skip this step by clicking the `Skip step` button in the top right. You can always do this from inside the dashboard.  
</Note>

<Frame caption="Create an API">
  <img src="/images/onboarding-step2.png" alt="Create an API"/>
</Frame>

## 3. API Key

Next there will be a dialog with an API key created for you. Copy the key and curl command to try out unkey.  


<Frame caption="API Key">
  <img src="/images/onboarding-step3.png" alt="API Key"/>
</Frame>

## 4. Next Steps

You should get to know our [API reference](/api-reference/v2/auth), as you can add additional fields to your request when issuing a key.

You can also check out the [Features](/apis/features/ratelimiting) section for more information on how to use Unkey.
